I'm new to the dessert ... from HR, OR. Lake Isabella rocks! Great sailing. Just starting to explore, but the locals are great. Lots of boat/jet ski traffice, but it doesn't seem to be an issue. Rigging on the sandy beach isn't much fun and there 'ain't no waves' ... but the flat water jibing makes me feel like a pro (even though I probably still look like an idiot).

Great relief in the desert heat and a short drive from where I'm living.

No available gear nearby. Heard about someone in Bakersfield, but no luck finding that resource.

Any other tips from locals? Wind site says to go off around to the east a bit for some better conditions, but really haven't seen people sail other than the area just 1/4 to 1/2 mile behind the dam.

I'm down in the Long Beach area and in need of consistent wind so I was planning on visiting Isabella. What time does the wind come up? What are the camping conditions like? Reservations required to tent camp? Any facilities available? Week day or week end better?

I'm not sure I would describe Isabella as "consistent". You can get your arms ripped off or get skunked on any given day. Check the last seven days for a guide - wind is strongest after noon. Note that conditions are currently favorable for Isabella - see the forecast for a description re. onshore flow and gradients. Generally, don't go to Isabella in a heat wave.

You can camp on either of the two windsurf beaches (first two exits off the highway) for a small fee, payable at the "iron ranger". No reservations. There are some bathrooms at both beaches -even some running water. Bring your own shade. Actual campgrounds are located around the lake - on the road to Kernville or on the road to Weldon. RV parks too.

Week days are better, but weekends are OK. Weekends have lots of boats and jet ski traffic between memorial day and labor day, but not a major issue. MOST users are knowledgebale about giving way. Boat chop is a minor pain.

Bring everything you own. Kites too if you like, but I'm told you should be on your game with a kite or have a rescue option.

Yeah, Isabella rocks. A true gem for So Cal sailors. I consider it one of the greatest places to windsurf in CA...just plain fun. It's where I learned to plane for heaven's sake...and no need for a wetsuit when the water warms in the summer. 4.0 can happen at Is, especially in the Spring. And, I'd bring your biggest sail, too. In my case that was a 6.0 which was only good enough certain days because I was smart enough to bring a 110-120 liter board. So 6.0/6.5 and a floaty board for the lighter days and smaller gear in case it honks. You're in heaven.

Here's the link to the iWindsurf.com wind archives for June 2007 -- the full history of the wind last month on one page.... hmmm..YEAH Isabella rocks!:

Issy is best in late spring, early summer, or, if there is a Catalina Eddy like lately. It is VERY unusual to have wind there this late in the summer. Like a previous post said, don't go up in a heat wave, you'll roast.

Check out Spencer Thompson's site www.windjunkie.net. Its totally for fun, he and his wife maintain the site, there's lots of Issy stuff on there, as well as general So Cal fun windsurf stuff. He's somewhat of an amateur wind forecaster, does the "Fearless Forecast" for Isabella on Thursdays and is uncannily accurate most of the time. That said, again, its just for fun and for free so don't rag about it if its not right, we want him to keep doing it!! He's not a professional after all.

I have to agree with all of you, ISABELLA ROCKS!!!. I moved to L.A last year and spent the summer sailing at Cabrillo but if you like strong winds and warm water and just a great spot, Isabella is it!!.
I sailed there on Tuesday and I had rigged 3 sails, a 6.5 a 5.5 and 4.8 and I started sailing at about noon. By 4 PM I had used all three sails with a 115L board and a 95L board so yes if you go to Isabella bring everything you got.
By the way I find IWindsurf very accurate on their forecast of the Lake.

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